Archmage

Archmages are the most skilled mages in the world, of which there are only ten at any given time, one for each of the eight Elemental Affinities, with the addition of two deviations.

The Ten Greatest Mages

Morendyn Cobath by Jarhed

The Archmages are, by many, considered to be the best representation of magic in Totania, and even some call them the ten greatest mages in the world.
This is, certainly, one way to view them, as they all have the greatest control over their particular affinities, and in doing so have unlocked levels of magical understanding beyond almost anyone else in the world.
However, to say that these ten are the only mages to reach this level would be incorrect. Mastery over an element is not the only way to reach the upper echelons of magic in Totania.
It is not just that Archmages have achieved elemental mastery, as many others have done so, and there is not just one person for each element at a time that has done this. Archmages weave their affinity into every aspect of their lives, becoming one with the element. Without it, they would be nothing.
To meet an Archmage is to meet a natural element that has been physically embodied before onself. The very essence of wind, ice, lightning, etc.
For some, it is overwhelming. Often, Archmages must dull their power in the presence of those particularly weaker than them. It is simply something that comes with the title.

Archmages of 560

The Archmages in the year 560 were of particular note because of the role most of them played in world events, particularly against the World Court. They were:

• Light- Revolutionary Leader Morendyn Cobath


• Dark- Dwarven General Peargrim


• Lightning- Village Chief Nalrik Tilrak


• Water- Owner General Murdur


• Fire- Archpriestess of Improvement Vimrar Drysxora


• Thunder- Eallan Noblewoman Vultas Valpora


• Ice- The Wondrous Vaibhav


• COR Earth- Head Priest Monolith of Sia


• COP Earth- King Timar Forestarm


• Wind- Vodron Nutsk, Guardian of Fate

Definition

Archmage is not something that is loosely defined. In fact, the definition is rather strict in most areas.

Vodron Nutsk by Jarhed

The ten mages are listed each by a category that they fill: their magical affinity.
The categories that Archmages are chosen to fill include:

• Seven of the eight natural affinities (Fire, Water, Ice, Light, Dark, Lightning, Wind)


• Two variations on the eighth, earth magic (Control of Rocks and Control of Plants)


• An offshoot of Lightning magic, known as Thunder magic.

Aside from this, the level of magical knowledge and skill with the affinity must be incredibly high. The scholars generally look for figures with some prominence, as publishing an unknown name to them is relatively pointless, but they find that most Archmage-level people are not hidden.

The Magic Scholars

The Archmages are decided in meetings, papers, discussions, and votes by a group of the top magic scholars in the city of Zephys, the center of magic study in Totania.
These scholars are often not prominent figures outside of academia, but some have achieved note beyond simply being a scholar. Most notably, the Scholar, 64th Grand Wizard Salasar Feaphed, who went on to shape much of history after his death in 550, but prior to that had served as one of the consulting scholars deciding Archmages.
In the decision-making process, various arguments have arisen over who to choose and what to make the criteria. Some scholars have disagreed with separating the earth archmage into plant and rock users, and some have even wished to deny thunder mages a place on the list.
Most interesting, some scholars have demanded to have an eleventh archmage, the ace archmage. This would be the greatest ace at the time. This has been denied on the grounds that:

"They have mastered no element. They are not an archmage of any one kind, and instead fulfill a completely different criteria. Aces can already be archmages in one of these categories. If aces become their own thing, this list is meaningless."

Nalrik Tilrak by Jarhed

At times, one Archmage may not fit with the others. This is because a placeholder has been put in the spot until someone truly qualified has risen to the position. This person, like General Peargrim in 560, fits most but not all of the criteria and, therefore, is the best that scholars can do.

Lack of Authority

Some misunderstand the title of Archmage, thinking it grants power or authority to the wielder. This is incorrect.
An Archmage is a ceremonial title meant to convey honor and power. The scholars bestow the title onto mages in hopes that those mages serve as inspiration for others around the world, and also to show who are the most prolific mages of each element at a particular time.
Archmages are not personally notified. If they are not aware of the process and do not check the news often enough, they may even be unaware that they were appointed to the position.
Some even attempt to decline the offer, but this means nothing as the title also has no true meaning.
Ultimately, Archmages are honored figures who have achieved great prominence and impressive levels of power and skill with their magic, but they are not important because they were given the title.

Origin of the Title

Records trace the title of Archmage to around -15 when a particular figure rose to prominence: Gok the Archmage, part of the United Holy Front and Chief Advisor to the Orc that ascended to Godhood, Amukk.

Gok the Archmage by Jarhed

Gok was a powerful Ace who could use every affinity, and he was said to have mastered all of them. The definition of mastery changed since then, meaning that it cannot be said for certain whether he did or did not, but at the time it was said that he was the most versatile mage in the world.
Due to this, magic scholars based the concept on him, saying that it would take ten mages to fill the vacancy Gok left after disappearing. Thus, one Archmage is said to be 1/10th the might of Gok the Archmage.
Some dispute this claim, however due to Gok's disappearance and the general mystery surrounding his very existence, no proof can be given as to his true power, skill, or intelligence. All that is known are firsthand accounts from those like Amukk himself, who said:

"I have never known a mage like Gok. I think very few men can ever be like Gok, but every man should attempt to reach the prestige he held. The world would be a better place with another Gok the Archmage."

— Amukk